Improving taro (Colocasia esculenta var. esculenta) production using biotechnological approaches

Deo, Pradeep C. and Tyagi, Anand P. and Taylor, M. and Becker, D.K. and Harding, R.M. (2009) Improving taro (Colocasia esculenta var. esculenta) production using biotechnological approaches. The South Pacific Journal of Natural and Applied Sciences, 27 (1). pp. 6-13. ISSN 1838-837X

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Abstract

Taro (Colocasia esculenta L. Schott) is an important crop worldwide but is of particular significance in many Pacific Island countries where it forms part of the staple diet and serves as an export commodity. Escalating pest and disease problems are jeopardizing taro production with serious implications to food security and trade. Biotechnological approaches to addressing pest and disease problems, such as somatic embryogenesis and transgenesis, are potentially viable options. However, despite biotechnological advancements in higher profile agronomic crops, such progress in relation to Colocasia esculenta var. esculenta has been slow. This paper reviews taro biology, highlights the cultural and economic significance of taro in Pacific Island countries and discusses the progress made towards the molecular breeding of this important crop to date.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	S Agriculture > SB Plant culture
Divisions:	Faculty of Science, Technology and Environment (FSTE) > School of Biological and Chemical Sciences
Depositing User:	Users 24 not found.
Date Deposited:	24 Jan 2009 03:32
Last Modified:	09 Jul 2012 08:27
URI:	https://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/4195

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